Over €130,000 available for Donegal projects as SSE opens Meentycat & Culliagh Community Benefit Fund

• Fund has invested more than €1.7 million in local initiatives since 2007

• Fund supports projects that strengthen communities, improve local facilities and deliver lasting local benefits

• Local organisations encouraged to apply before the 17 November 2026 deadline

SSE has opened applications for the 2026 Meentycat and Culliagh Community Benefit Fund, with more than €130,000 available to support projects that make a lasting difference in communities across County Donegal.

Funded by Meentycat Wind Farm, Meentycat Extension and Culliagh Wind Farm, the annual scheme is open to projects located within 20km of the wind farms, with priority given to groups within 5km.

Funding is available for projects that support community development, sustainability, energy efficiency and safety. Applications that include measures to improve energy efficiency will receive additional consideration.

This year, €136,000 has been made available through the Meentycat and Culliagh Community Benefit Fund, which has invested more than €1.7 million in local projects since 2007.

One group to benefit recently is CLG Ghleann Fhinne, which received funding in 2025 to install solar panels, battery storage and backup power infrastructure at its facilities.

The project has helped reduce energy use, improve reliability and strengthen the club's ability to continue serving the community during power outages, providing an important local resource when it is needed most.

Paddy Doherty, Chairperson of CLG Ghleann Fhinne, said:

"The support we received through the Meentycat and Culliagh Community Benefit Fund has made a real difference to our club and the wider community. The funding allowed us to invest in solar panels, battery storage and backup power infrastructure, helping us improve our facilities and strengthen our long-term sustainability.

"The project has enhanced our ability to support local people and continue providing a valuable community hub. We are extremely grateful for the support we received through the fund."

Anne Reynolds, Community Development Manager at SSE, said:

"We're pleased to open applications for this year's Meentycat and Culliagh Community Benefit Fund and make more than €136,000 available to community groups across Donegal.

"For almost 20 years, the fund has supported projects that improve local facilities, strengthen community organisations and deliver lasting benefits for people living close to our wind farms. Having invested more than €1.7 million to date, we're looking forward to supporting another range of projects that will make a positive difference in communities across the county."

Applications are now open and will close on 17 November 2026.

For more information and to apply, visit: sserenewables.com/meentycatfund.

Alternatively, contact SSE's Community Investment Team at communityfundireland@sse.com.